Analysis \A*nal"y*sis\, n.; pl. Analyses. [Gr. ?, fr. ? to
unloose, to dissolve, to resolve into its elements; ? up + ?
to loose. See Loose.]
1. A resolution of anything, whether an object of the senses
or of the intellect, into its constituent or original
elements; an examination of the component parts of a
subject, each separately, as the words which compose a
sentence, the tones of a tune, or the simple propositions
which enter into an argument. It is opposed to
synthesis.
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2. (Chem.) The separation of a compound substance, by
chemical processes, into its constituents, with a view to
ascertain either (a) what elements it contains, or (b) how
much of each element is present. The former is called
qualitative, and the latter quantitative analysis.
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3. (Logic) The tracing of things to their source, and the
resolving of knowledge into its original principles.
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4. (Math.) The resolving of problems by reducing the
conditions that are in them to equations.
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5.
(a) A syllabus, or table of the principal heads of a
discourse, disposed in their natural order.
(b) A brief, methodical illustration of the principles of
a science. In this sense it is nearly synonymous with
synopsis.
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6. (Nat. Hist.) The process of ascertaining the name of a
species, or its place in a system of classification, by
means of an analytical table or key.
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Ultimate, Proximate, Qualitative, Quantitative, and
Volumetric analysis. (Chem.) See under Ultimate,
Proximate, Qualitative, etc.
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